patriot

noun

ˈpā-trē-ət How to pronounce patriot (audio)
Definition of patriotnext
as in loyalist
a person who loves his or her country and supports its interests and policies the contention that true patriots would be willing to do anything for their country

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of patriot The families see themselves as patriots that are helping build important economic sectors in the United States and that is there's no insider information. — Terry Gross, NPR, 5 Aug. 2026 Lindsey Graham was a patriot, a statesman and my dear friend. — FOXNews.com, 28 July 2026 Not asked enough by those who venerated Graham is why in death the patriot’s name must be associated with what’s so inimical to American prosperity and freedom. — John Tamny, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026 In the American colonies, the leaders of the patriot cause employed newspapers and pamphlets to foment anti-British sentiment. — Rose Horowitch, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for patriot
Recent Examples of Synonyms for patriot
  1. loyalist
  2. nationalist
Noun
  • Two ​sources said that loyalist troops had been dispatched to retake control of the airport, either through negotiations or by force.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Former grand mufti Ahmad Badreddine Hassoun, an Assad loyalist who was vocally in support of the government's policies, was convicted of inciting violence and justifying murder.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of loyalist
Noun
  • The plans to honor Mladić sparked a wave of criticism from the pro-European opposition in the country, but were welcomed by many nationalists.
    — Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Begin became prime minister in 1977, ushering in the rise of right-wing nationalists and sweeping out the socialist movement launched under Ben Gurion.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of nationalist

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patrimony
patriot
patriotic
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Cite this Entry

“Patriot.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patriot. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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